In divorce cases, property is categorized as marital or non-marital property. Marital property will be divided between spouses by equitable distribution. When it comes to dividing property in a divorce, most states follow either an equitable distribution or community property approach. The difference being that community property states dictate a 50-50 split of all marital property while equitable distribution means that splits must be equitable, not necessarily equal. Illinois is an equitable distribution state, and any person who is preparing to divide marital property as part of a divorce in Illinois will want to be working with a Chicago divorce attorney.